The typical person would do well to grab a 50-60 liter pack for most situations.

Proper Fit is Important, Choose a Pack that Fits You

To obtain the proper fitting pack, measure your torso, NOT OVERALL HEIGHT. This is the only real way to measure for one.

Your body design is different than everyone else.

Measuring for a pack is easy

Most manufacturers will use a measurement from the the base of your neck to your hipbone.

Women and Children’s designs are different than men’s. The straps have different shapes and the torso sizing is different. Don’t get the wrong pack because “it’ll be alright.”

The following is a basic chart for a typical manufacturer:

Torso Length

Size

Up to 15.5 inches

XS

16-17.5 Inches

S

18-19.5 Inches

M / Regular

20+ Inches

L / Tall

Get to Your Gear Easily when it Matters by choosing the right pack!

You don’t want to unload every bit of the contents in your bag just to get to your gear.

When it matters most, you can get to your gear by choosing the right pack and understanding its parts. Choose one that organizes and compartmentalizes everything so it is easy to get to your stuff.

How to Pack Your Bug Out Bag for Long Distance Trekking

Airlines don’t do it. You wouldn’t do it to your automobile.

Don’t place all of your gear on one side or in one pocket. Give thought to weight distribution so you don’t strain your back and shoulders.

Easily Carry Your Gear, With a Properly Packed Bag

Hiking packs are designed for long trekking, and have a somewhat standard design based on years of research. Many times they will have the same pockets on them. These are the basic compartments of most hiking packs.

Main Compartment

Sleeping Bag Compartment

Water Bottle Pockets

Hip-Belt Pockets

Top Lid Pocket

Front Pocket

Main Compartment Can Hold the Bulk of Your Items

The main compartment is large and will easily carry the bulk of your items.

Because it is so large and has very little additional dividers, it is a versatile pocket for large items.

But, it is a little more difficult to pack.

It is also more difficult to get to your gear quickly, so you will want to pack items that you don’t need constant access to in it.

The most important thing in packing is your weight distribution. This will make or break your back.

Heavy items need to be center of pack, near your back

Medium weight items get packed around the heavy core.

Keep all the weight possible at your spine

If weight is too high, you will be off balanced

If weight is too low, you will lean forward to balance and overwork your back

Sleeping Bag Compartments can Be Used For More

You could use this pouch for the obvious.

I keep bags and tents strapped to the outside of my pack, because they take up lots of valuable space.

Hammocks and mosquito netting go well here.

Keep the weight in this compartment light, since it isn’t designed or located in a spot that is good for heavy weight.

Don’t Trust Water Bottle Pockets

These are the mesh pockets on the sides of your pack that have an elastic band to hold your bottles in.

If you are going to use them, always tie your bottles to your pack so they don’t fall out.

Hip Belt Pockets are Quick and Convenient

I keep small items that I want to get to quickly in these convenient little pockets. I don’t need to remove my entire pack to grab a hand full of trail mix.